by Jody Hedlund
My sword and dagger were unsheathed before I could take full stock of our situation. All I knew was that we would have to fight. I could afford no fear or hesitation.
I dug my heels into my mount to spur him forward, but at the sound of my movement, Mitchell reared his horse into my path. “No, Adelaide! Put away your weapons. They come in peace.”
Roland shifted with a snort of protest, and at the same time, I scanned the surrounding area. Through the rolling fog and the light mist, I caught a glimpse of the dark shapes of dozens of knights and their flickering torches. As if they’d been waiting there just for us, they surrounded us in a circle that left no room for escape, even in the direction we’d just come.
Their ready presence, Mitchell’s nervousness, Christopher’s absence. It all made sense now. Somehow, Mitchell had communicated with King Ethelwulf’s soldiers and had betrayed us.
Swift anger bubbled up. “What have you done? And where is Christopher?” I turned on Mitchell. But as I spoke, several knights broke away from their ranks and rode toward us.
“Speak no more of him,” Mitchell said harshly.
The guards closed in, their weapons drawn. I lifted my sword and braced myself for battle.
“Captain.” Mitchell bowed his head to the knight on the largest warhorse. The royal standard upon the banner covering the horse contained two golden lions facing each other in the salient, or leaping, position on an ebony background. Mercia’s standard was nearly identical with two golden lions in rampant, or standing, against a ruby background. When King Ethelwulf had united the kingdoms, he’d taken Warwick’s emblem and added a ruby border. Otherwise, Warwick’s original standard remained unchanged.
I’d always wondered if King Ethelwulf thought his leaping lions were superior to standing lions. Maybe he believed physical prowess drove a kingdom. I was of the mind people flourished better when they were treated with kindness and respect.
The knight didn’t respond to Mitchell but instead stared directly at me with narrowed eyes as cold and sharp as ice floes in the East Sea. His chain mail hood surrounded his face, but I could see the three warrior braids, the traditional hairstyle of the king’s elite guard. A deep scar ran the length of his cheek, starting just below his eye and disappearing into a long pointed beard in the style of King Ethelwulf. The captain held himself rigidly, his gloved fingers tight against the hilt of his sword as if he expected some resistance.
I burned with the need to ask Mitchell where Christopher was and why he wasn’t with us. But I held my tongue. It was possible this captain didn’t know yet about Christopher’s presence. And it was possible Christopher was somewhere nearby waiting for the right moment to attack and take the knights by surprise.
“The Princess Constance,” the captain said almost derisively.
“Queen Constance.” I lifted my chin and refused to let this man intimidate me. I had the feeling I should know who he was, but my sheltered existence had kept me from court and political life. “Who are you, sir?”
His cool eyes assessed me too intimately. “The resemblance to your mother is striking.”
I bristled at his blatant disregard for my query of introduction, but I forced myself to remain composed. “Then you met Queen Dierdal?”
“Not formally, unfortunately.” His voice turned soft and contradicted the hardness of his eyes. “But I feel as though I grew quite familiar with her since I was the one who hanged her body from the castle wall at Delsworth.”
Revulsion swelled in my throat. I didn’t know what this man wanted from me or what Mitchell hoped to accomplish with his betrayal, but I had the premonition I wouldn’t live long to find out.
My face must have reflected my disgust, for his lips curled into a semblance of a smile revealing he was the sort of twisted man who found pleasure at the expense of others. I’d do well not to show my true emotions, which would deprive him of the pleasure he sought.
I gave him what I hoped was my haughtiest look. “I am surprised, sir, that King Ethelwulf did not hang you in her place after her body was stolen away by her beloved followers.”
The captain’s tight smile faded, and he assessed me more keenly. “Perhaps I will have the satisfaction of getting to know you the same way I got to know your mother.”
His insinuation made me want to shudder, but I squared my shoulders and didn’t back away. “You shall soon discover I am not like my mother.” I didn’t realize my voice contained a challenge until he unsheathed his dagger halfway and shifted his attention to my neck, a deadly glint in his expression.
Behind me, I heard the rasp of metal against metal as Tall John and Mitchell unsheathed their swords.
I had no doubt the captain was accustomed to unquestioning obedience and was quick to cut down anyone who opposed him in the slightest. I waited for him to strike. I would most certainly fight back. Instead of lashing out as he likely would have done with anyone else, he slowly pushed his dagger back into his belt.
Only then did I realize how tightly I gripped the hilt of my sword. I loosened my hold but didn’t let go completely. What was stopping him from hurting—even killing—me as he clearly longed to do? I was King Ethelwulf’s enemy. Surely, the king wanted me dead and would have given orders to kill me upon sight.
“Hand over the key.” The captain held out his hand to Mitchell.
Mitchell stuffed his sword back into his belt and nudged Roland next to me. His eyes pleaded with me to understand and forgive him. “If we give Captain Theobald the key to the treasure, he will permit us to return to Langley.”
My brows shot up. This was the notorious Captain Theobald? I should have guessed his identity. He certainly looked the part of the heartless captain who had caused Mercia so much grief over the years.
For a brief instant, I considered making the first move against him. I longed to take him unaware and rid Mercia of so merciless a leader. But I sensed he was as quick as I was and would deflect my blow if I struck him.
Instead, I met the captain’s gaze squarely. “I do believe you are as dishonest as they say. The king most certainly would not allow me to return to Langley.” If I did, what would stop me from attempting to rise up again, especially after I’d had time and opportunity to rally rebels and loyalists to my side? The king would never chance it.
“King Ethelwulf only wants the ancient key to King Solomon’s treasure,” Mitchell said. “That is all he has coveted.”
Captain Theobald didn’t respond to either of us. I suspected he’d take the ancient key from me whether I gave it peacefully or not. He may have convinced Mitchell he was negotiating, but from the stories I’d heard about Captain Theobald, he was a man who took whatever he desired any way he wanted.
“Please, Adelaide,” Mitchell whispered. “Give him the key. Then we can return home.”
The captain didn’t release me from his sights. He watched me with a strange, narrowed anticipation, as though he hoped I would refuse so he could forcibly remove the key from me.
Keeping my expression emotionless, I reached for my leather pouch underneath my cloak and chain mail. I loosened the drawstring and fingered the heirloom. Did I dare to part with it? Sister Katherine had said I’d need the treasure to rid the land of evil. If I handed the key over to the king, would I be handing over my chances at finding the treasure? Dare I fight to keep it?
I glanced at the shadowy outlines of the knights surrounding us. Where was Christopher? He should be shooting his arrows by now. Without his aid, we wouldn’t be able to fight this many men. If I initiated, I’d bring death not only to myself but to Mitchell and Tall John.
My fingers brushed against the signet ring, the one Aunt Susanna had kept hidden for me all these years. In bringing me into her home and caring for me, she’d exhibited both courage and caution. Her example was one I needed to follow. And this situation demanded caution.
I pushed aside the signet ring and reluctantly tugged the key out of the pouch. Then I held it out to Mitchell. I refu
sed to personally give it to Captain Theobald.
Mitchell completed the deed. The captain examined the relic before tucking it away.
“Now that you have the key,” Mitchell said, “we shall be on our way to Langley.”
“First we ride to Delsworth.” Captain Theobald motioned to the several knights who accompanied him. Before Mitchell or Tall John could react, the knights drew alongside me, one on each side and the other behind.
“Captain,” Mitchell called, “you gave me your word we would be safe, that you would not harm Adelaide or my manservant, and that we could leave peaceably.”
“We are leaving peaceably.” The captain urged his horse around, his spurs jangling. “As long as you do not resist, I have been ordered to bring you to the king alive.”
“You have no need for Adelaide now,” Mitchell insisted, the fog and darkness of the morning swallowing him and making him disappear from my sight. “I shall return with her to Langley.”
“First the king would like to hear any additional information you have about the other princesses and treasure.”
“I know nothing more.”
“And of course, he’ll want to discuss your family’s loyalty to him.”
“I have provided the key to the treasure. I had no reason to tell you about it other than to prove my loyalty.”
Captain Theobald released a mirthless laugh. “You must know by now the king will require much more than that to prove your faithfulness.”
I wanted to believe Mitchell had made the deal with the captain in order to protect me. But perhaps he also worried for his own life now that the king realized his father—the former Earl of Langley, his once trusted and loyal advisor—had betrayed him by harboring me for so many years. King Ethelwulf would certainly now call into question Mitchell’s loyalty and would seek retribution.
“I have already done much to demonstrate my allegiance to the king,” Mitchell said. “Whatever he has asked of me, I have done it.”
“So did your father.”
“I am not my father,” Mitchell said angrily. “I told you I would lock away and leave for dead my traitorous brother, and I have.”
Leave for dead my traitorous brother? The words pierced my chest like arrows. I halted my steed, forcing the black knights around me to stop. The world turned dizzy and tipped upside down, and I had the sudden overwhelming need to vomit. Instead, I unsheathed my dagger and lunged toward Mitchell. Before anyone could stop me, I had the knife at the tender spot in his throat.
“You’re leaving Christopher behind to die?” My voice was like iron.
Mitchell didn’t move.
“Then you are a murderer.”
“His grand plans were for naught, Adelaide, and you know it. He could never succeed against King Ethelwulf.”
“If you’d like,” Captain Theobald said, “I can send one of my men down to the dungeons to retrieve him. Perhaps you’d prefer to watch as I slay him before your very eyes instead of letting him waste away slowly and painfully.”
For a moment, I considered the possibility that if the captain brought Christopher out, he might be able to overcome his captor and escape. But even if he freed himself, I knew in my heart he’d never leave me behind. He’d attack Captain Theobald’s army and fight for my freedom. And in doing, I had to admit, he’d likely die, especially if Mitchell refused to join the battle against Captain Theobald and his men.
For now, I had to resign myself to Christopher remaining locked in the dungeons. In the meantime, I’d figure out a way to free myself or find someone who was willing to return to the Wellmont ruins and free him.
“Leave him,” Mitchell said disdainfully. “He deserves a slow and painful death.”
“I’m glad you agree,” Captain Theobald said still watching my face. “To ensure no one finds him or comes back to free him, I’ll have my men fill the stairwell opening with stones.”
I could only stare at Mitchell. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind, thoughts of my childhood with Mitchell, of playing in the rivers and woods around Langley, of riding and hunting and training together, of the skinned knees and elbows, of nettles in our hair and bee stings on our bare feet. We’d been companions for as long as I could remember.
I couldn’t believe Mitchell was capable of such treachery, much less murder. Then again, I’d never seen him as angry as I had last night when he’d walked away after witnessing me kiss Christopher. Was it possible he’d reacted in a moment of fury he’d later regret?
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple rubbing against the tip of my dagger. “Christopher was a danger to you. So I did what I needed to keep you safe.”
“And am I safe?” I waved my hand to the heavy cavalry of knights watching our interaction with interest.
“When the king is assured of my loyalty, he will allow me to return to Langley. He already gave me permission to marry you when I last traveled to Delsworth. We will wed and in doing so assure him you are no threat.”
“We will wed?” My voice rose with incredulity. “I shall never marry you.”
Mitchell’s countenance hardened, and he shoved my dagger away. “You might not have a choice this time, Adelaide.”
Christopher’s words about how I’d slighted Mitchell came back to me. Ignoring him after the wolf attack had hurt him deeply. And I’d also hurt him by finding comfort in Christopher’s arms and kisses. Even so, I’d never considered the possibility Mitchell had intentions that went beyond friendship. Was there a chance he’d been secretly infatuated with me the same way I had been with Christopher? Perchance such feelings had only made his conflict with Christopher worse.
“So you’re destroying Christopher because you didn’t want me to get closer to him than you? How could you?”
“He had no right to have you—”
“Enough,” Captain Theobald interrupted. “We must be on our way.”
“I shall marry whomever I choose.” I ignored the captain. “And it will not be a murderer.”
Mitchell flinched but refused to back down. “If the king decides it, you will do it.”
I started to rebut him, but the captain cut us both off with a vicious growl. “The king has already decided Princess Constance will marry Prince Ethelrex. They are to wed immediately upon our arrival at Delsworth.”
Captain Theobald’s news rendered me speechless. The king had made plans for me to marry his oldest son, the crown prince? From the shock rippling over Mitchell’s features, I guessed he hadn’t expected to hear that any more than I had.
“Then why did he send the wolves after me?” I asked, finding my voice.
“They were commanded to capture and trap you until I arrived with my men.”
A shudder crawled up my back at the remembrance of the wolves surrounding me. If the ferocious beasts had truly wanted to kill me, they probably could have, even with Christopher and Mitchell fending them off.
Now I understood why the captain hadn’t abused and killed me yet, why he’d sought a peaceful negotiation rather than attempt a battle against me. He had instructions to bring me in alive and unharmed in order to unite the House of Mercia with the House of Warwick. Such a move would silence any remaining opposition to the king’s rule and cut off the rebellion that had been brewing for years. How could anyone fight against King Ethelwulf if he legitimized his family’s claim to the throne through his son’s marriage to me?
The captain watched my reaction, his lips once again twisting in pleasure at my horror. He knew as well as King Ethelwulf that my marriage to the crown prince would appease those who were discontent but would ultimately render me powerless. Instead of becoming a ruler in my own right, I’d merely be a pawn in a dangerous game. Nothing would change in the kingdom. Injustice and lawlessness would continue.
Captain Theobald’s grin inched higher. “Since your groom is anxiously awaiting your return, we must not keep him waiting. Would you not agree, Princess?”
He gave me no more chance to respond but i
nstead spun and urged his horse into a trot. The knights surrounding me took that as their cue to move, giving me no choice but to do the same.
My body reacted woodenly, my movements like a puppet on a string. More than the news of my fate, the truth of Christopher’s predicament drained the lifeblood from me. He was trapped in a barren ruin and would soon be buried there alive.
Even after he’d ridden away from Mercia, I’d always harbored hope that he’d return, that I’d see him again, and that he’d learn to love me. Even after he’d rejected me in the Wellmont ruins this past night, somewhere deep inside a flame had still flickered—though weakly—that perhaps I could someday change his mind about me.
But now he was gone. There was no hope for him. He was all but dead. And inside I was dead too.
Chapter
16
Adelaide
By midday, the fog had dissipated. However, rain continued to fall nigh into the evening, drenching us and making us miserable in spite of our oiled cloaks—although I didn’t know how I could get any more miserable with thoughts of Christopher’s death haunting me at every turn.
During the long hours of riding, I’d counted three dozen elite guards and three unit commanders. With Captain Theobald, that brought the total number of soldiers to forty. As much as I wanted to fight my way free, I reminded myself as I had earlier that any attempt to battle them would be suicide.
Had Mitchell realized that as well? From his black eye and split lip, I suspected he’d crossed paths with Captain Theobald’s group by accident during his search for the treasure. Maybe upon seeing how outnumbered we were, Mitchell had realized the impossibility of winning a fight. He always had been more reasonable and logical than I had.
He’d clearly expected that in eliminating Christopher, a sworn enemy of the crown, and in giving Captain Theobald the ancient key, he’d prove his loyalty, secure my release, and take me back to Langley.
I wanted to shake Mitchell for his foolishness. He should have known the king would never free me. I was too dangerous. Perhaps Mitchell had known but had hoped to spare our lives. Whatever the case, what neither of us had expected was that the king would use me to his advantage through marriage to his son.
